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Hope you’re enjoying the continuing focus on the Bible – this week we’re going to drill down even deeper, but if you’ve missed the last couple of weeks, then read this, then this, and catch up!

The first step of the spiritual discipline of Study is repetition (as we explored last week); the second is concentration. This is where we move beyond simply repeatedly reading a passage or chapter, to bringing our full attention to it. In order to make that a little easier, we’re going to pick a short passage of no more than ten verses. If you’re doing this as a progression from the last two challenges, then choose a passage from within the chapter you read last week. If not, maybe just pick a passage from one of the gospels.

22: Set aside at least fifteen minutes to concentrate on a passage of scripture

Time-wise this might sound like an easy task – certainly a walk in the park compared to some of our previous challenges. But because you’re only reading a handful of verses, concentrating for a full fifteen minutes (or more) will require an effort of will and self-discipline.

Allow God to speak to you as you read, and enjoy giving your full attention to his word.

We’d love some guest blogs this week on the subject of Bible study – if you’d like to write one, please read our writing guidelines, then drop us an email.

This week, we’re going to be moving into the second part of what will be a multi-part exploration of the Spiritual Discipline of Study. Last week you chose a book of the Bible to read all the way through (didn’t you? No? Quick, go back and do that now).

This week, you’re going to focus down on a single chapter:

21: Pick a chapter from the book you read last week, and read that chapter every day

That’s right. Read the same chapter, every day this week. It shouldn’t take a huge effort of the will – just put aside a little time each day to read the chapter. This is the first element of the discipline of Study: repetition. Think of it like going to the spiritual gym and doing some ‘reps’.

We’re not asking you to do anything more than this – although next week, things will get a little more complicated. For now, just read a chapter,